Carolyn Sue Reintjes Patterson passed peacefully, returning to her eternal home, on Friday, October 28th, 2022, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Carolyn was born June 24, 1932 in Linton, Greene County, Indiana to her beloved father, Clinton Adair Reintjes and her angel mother, Emma Cox Reintjes.
Carolyn graduated from Linton High School in 1950. After High School Carolyn studied at Brigham Young University, The University of Arizona and Arizona State University earning her B.S. in Home Economics. She married her beloved companion, Ronald McGregor Patterson of St. Johns, Arizona in the Mesa, Arizona Temple on August 2nd, 1952. She taught school in Indianapolis, Indiana for several years while her husband attended Dental school.
Carolyn loved serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held a variety of callings which included: YWMIA leader, Spiritual Living teacher, Gospel Doctrine teacher, counsellor and president in Ward Relief Society Presidencies and as counsellor and president in Stake Relief Society Presidencies. Some of her favorite callings were serving as the Choir Director of the Indianapolis 4th Ward Choir and director of Regional Choirs. In 1975 her husband was called to preside over the newly created Nevada, Las Vegas Mission. They served together as missionaries for 3 years and look upon all the missionaries with whom they served as beloved sons and daughters. She was also an avid genealogist and loved discovering her family history and sharing it with family members. She loved to cook and her delicious meals were enjoyed by all who knew her.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years and by her parents as well as her older sister Ellen Elizabeth Reintjes and older brothers Harrell Clifton Reintjes and Paul Edward Reintjes. She is survived by her children Clinton E. Patterson (Christine) of Cave Springs, Arkansas, Rebecca Sue Patterson of Salt Lake City, Utah, Craig Glover Patterson (Tamara) of San Antonio, Texas and Emma Ruth Hatch (Wayne), of Gilbert, Arizona. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
We, her family, call her blessed and are grateful for such a noble matriarch. She will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 12th at Larkin Mortuary, Salt Lake City, Utah. Viewing at 9:30 with the funeral service being held at 10:30. Those who cannot attend in person may view the funeral via Zoom by clicking on the "Watch Services" link above. A free Zoom account is required to view.
Carolyn was one of my favorite people in all the world. We served together as visiting teachers and then I was her visiting teacher until she moved to Arizona. We had wonderful visits with those we served and visiting together was a delight. She was the awesome Relief Society President when we moved into the 18th Ward over 20 years ago. She made us feel so welcome and so loved. My condolences to her beloved family.
My heart reaches out to the Patterson Family. Sister Carolyn Sue Patterson made a great impression on my heart. Her wisdom and grace will leave an imprint on so many lives. I'm so blessed to have known and mentored by such a wise woman of Faith.
I was sadden to see that your dear mother had passed but know that she has been reunited with her beloved husband. I have fond memories of your mother. She was the last of Dad’s cousins. May the Lord’s choicest blessings be with you at this time of mourning.
So sorry to hear this, Love, thoughts & prayers for the family, she was/is an awesome woman.
We have many great memories of Sister Patterson, and most of them were funny. Her laugh was infectious and she laughed often. We'll never forget her reaction to the ride Sam gave her in his sports car (Oh, my)! But she was also one of the kindest, most gracious women we've ever known. We offer our heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved her.
It was my great privilege to have know the Patterson's while serving a mission in Las Vegas. I was an office missionary when they first arrived and was able to help the family get settled into the summer heat of Las Vegas. I will always remember Sister Patterson with a SMILE on her face, even when she wasn't feeling well (which seemed to be often). She had a great influence on many people (including me) and I will always be grateful for her contagious spirit, attitude and her amazing life. Until we meet again....
I have fond memories of the Pattersons while serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Nevada Las Vegas Mission. Sister Patterson filled the role of mother for me and others as we served far from our homes ♥️.
Carolyn Sue Reintjes Patterson, Auntie Carolyn to me, was an angel who graced this earth with her love and gentle presence. And what a wonderful sense of humor. Her laughter was genuine and infectious. She was always kind, always loving and always accepting of everyone. She truly encapsulated what it meant to exhibit the charity and the love of Christ.
I would visit her, Uncle Bud and Grandma Reintjes in Arizona whenever I traveled there on business, which was frequently. Auntie Carolyn would always say, "Now Marc, let me know when you'll be here so that I can make fried chicken, Indiana green beans with all the fixings, and bake a pie for dessert." (I think I planned more business trips to her house in Arizona than to any others.). After greetings, hugs and kisses, we'd sit down to the sumptious feast. It was so incredibly delicious. Best fried chicken I've ever eaten. I'd take it over a filet minon steak anyday.
After our meal, we'd all go into the living room and talk about the gospel for hours. The spirit of the discussions would glow in our hearts and minds, and I'd fill so uplifted for having been in the presence of such true followers of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
I know that when she passed, she was met by her dear sweet husband, Bud, her wonderful parents, Clinton and Emma, as well as many other Patterson and Reintjes family members who were there to greet her with open and loving arms. After all of the love, laughter and tears were shed, I'm sure she asked, "Are you hungry? Where's the kitchen, I want to cook some fried chicken for everyone?"
I'll miss you Auntie Carolyn with all my heart. Man, I loved her.
Sister Patterson taught me so much! The very first thing was ediquit. Then she how much love for our Savior and her husband. She was a great example. I love her so much. God be with you you till meet again at Jesus feet.
Oh, My Dear Patterson Family:
Clint, Christine, Becky, Craig, Tamara, Emma, Wayne, and all your children.
My heart goes out to you at this most sacred time between heaven and earths veil.
We are so blessed to have had your dear mother as our mission mother. Thank you for sharing her with us!
My deepest condolence is with each of you in prayer and supplication.
Thank you for blessing my life!
Niels Fugal NLVM 1976-1978
801-979-5700
NielsFugal@gmail.com
Sister Patterson was one of those people who "simply" loved other people for who they were and. loved them unconditionally.
Having been a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for a short time before my mission call to the Nevada Las Vegas mission. She taught me the importance of daily scripture study and always going by the "Spirit".
I don't know if she knew the big impact she made in my life. I would not be where I am today without knowing "Sister Patterson".
My condolences and prayers are with her children during this difficult time.
Kelowna B.C., Canada. So grateful for the Patterson's and the influence Sister and President Patterson still has in my life. Served with them 1977-79. They taught respect, faith and work hard. Sister Patterson taught us dress standards and table etiquette, and so much more. I am grateful for their examples of discipleship and loving our Savior. You are in my prayers and thought always. Prayers and blessings of comfort to her family at this time. YOUGOTTAWANNA love them.
So sorry for your loss of Carolyn. Thinking and praying for you all.
Dear Patterson Family,
I am at once saddened and in a sense, gladdened by the passing of "our" beloved mom! Saddened because we here in mortality have lost the physical presence of one of the great lights of our lives. But I'm gladdened knowing she and President ('Bud') are together again enjoying a glorious reunion--never to be separated again! Their powerful righteous influence in our lives--my life--can never be extinguished or diminished.
Your mom was truly an elect lady! One of my most precious memories of Sister Patterson occurred after I gave a talk at a zone or mission conference. She stood up after me and said, "You have just heard from a man of God." This impacted me profoundly, not because it fed my ego, but because it never occurred to me to think of myself in such terms and It humbled me. Although I often fall far short of that description, her words stayed with me and have given me a goal to pursue throughout my life.
A number of years ago, I visted with Sister Patterson and Rebecca at her apartment in Salt Lake while in town for a visit. It was at a time when not all was ideal in my life. But she asked me to give her a blessing. That was, for me, a great honor and privilege. It was also a timely reminder of who I am and why I'm here.
As a convert to the gospel and an unexpected missionary--the first in my family--I didn't really know, prior to my mission, what it meant to be a Latter-day Saint or how to be one. Your folks, as good parents do, taught me that both by example and precept, in ways that it doubtless would have taken me much, much longer to figure out on my own. At the time I assumed that all Mission Presidents/parents were like Carolyn and Bud. I've since learned that isn't true. Not by a long shot! I will be eternally grateful that I was called to the Nevada Las Vegas Mission where I was blessed to fall under their unique and powerful influence of love, faith, and devotion to our Savior, Jesus Christ. May the Lord ever bless Carolyn, Ronald, and the entire Patterson family!!! Peace be with you all.
We count it as a blessing that we got to know and love Carolyn. She was like a sister to me and I treasured our visits! My only regret is that we didn’t live close enough for regular in person visits. She use to say “won’t Bud and Lee be great friends and the four of us will have a great time.”
I’m grateful to have heard the funeral service for I learned so much about her.
Our love to each of you and your families during this time of mourning.
My Dear Patterson-Reintjes-Hatch-Rowan-Rudd-McMullin-Ballard-Tobler Families,
My deepest condolences are with you during this most sacred transition between heaven and earth. We are all so very furtunate to be blessed by our dear Carolyn Patterson.
Dear Sister Patterson - We will love you forever!
Niels & Tana-Tate Fugal
Pleasant Grove, UT